Framework for evaluation of programming language examinations

Abstract

Recent advancements in the field of e-learning and virtual learning have changed the face of education. An important part of learning process is evaluation of student learning through examinations. This paper suggests a framework for evaluation of computer science practical examinations. The framework is implemented using Java programming language and many open source tools and libraries. The developed framework performs evaluation in four steps. The first step is compiler output interpretation in which the false errors generated by compiler are eliminated and only actual errors are reported. In the second step, unit testing of compiled programs is done. In third step, software metrics like lines of code, lines of comment, McCabe’s cyclomatic complexity, and number of modules are calculated for the programs. Finally, the semantic similarity of student programs is checked against the model program. The implemented framework is tested on student programs, and the accuracy of results is satisfactory. This framework will be helpful in efficiently evaluating student programs in practical examinations. It works for C, C++, and Java programming languages.